Maine Looking to Honor Best Senior Workplace Employers

The State Workforce Board’s Older Workers Committee is looking for Maine’s best employers for people over the age of 50. 

The Silver Collar Employer Award honors employers whose policies and practices match the needs of mature employees, "capturing their skills and experience, strong work ethic, flexibility and enthusiasm."

Entries must be postmarked by August 1, 2016. Businesses may self-nominate.

The Older Workers Committee will consider a business’ flexible work options, training and development opportunities, pension and health benefits, and age-neutral policies and practices.

Silver Collar Employers will be honored during National Employ Older Workers Week, declared by President Nixon in 1973 and observed this year September 26–30, 2016.

The nomination form is available here.

Employers or anyone with questions should contact the State Workforce Board at swb.dol@maine.gov or 207-621-5091.

Maine is the oldest state in the United States, with a median age of 43.5 years. More than a quarter of the civilian labor force is over 55 years old. This share is expected to increase between 2014 and 2024.

Maine's Department of Labor says between 2014 and 2024, the impact of minimal population growth and an aging population on Maine’s labor force can be partially offset by an expected increase in participation across age groups, particularly among oldest workers. By 2024, more than two thirds of 55–64 year olds and nearly one quarter of those over age 65 will still be in the labor force.